OPINION: Nepotism: The Silent Killer of Governance
By: Terver Akase
In the imaginary Yelona State, Governor Thobias Elanga appointed his cousin, Tony Elanga, as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure. Tony had only a diploma in business administration and no experience in engineering or public works. His appointment, widely seen as an act of nepotism, quickly led to stalled projects and poorly executed road contracts. Critics accused the governor of valuing family loyalty over competence, while the public lost confidence in his administration’s ability to deliver on its promises.
Nepotism, the practice of favouring or hiring family members because of their relationship with someone in authority, comes from the Italian word nepotismo, which is derived from the Latin term nepos, meaning “nephew.”
Nepotism literally means the practice of granting jobs, contracts, or special privileges to relatives and close associates regardless of their qualifications or competence.
In every society where leadership carries the sacred duty of service, fairness, competence, and merit should be the guiding principles. However, when personal relationships and family ties are allowed to dictate decisions in governance and public service, a dangerous form of corruption takes root. Nepotism is one of the most subtle yet destructive vices that erode the foundations of good governance, weaken public trust, and stall social progress.
In today’s world, it manifests in political appointments, public service recruitment, and even in the private sector, where individuals are rewarded not for their merit, but for their personal connections. What begins as an act of loyalty or trust often degenerates into institutional decay and inefficiency.
When nepotism becomes a norm in governance, the consequences are far-reaching. Leaders who appoint friends and family members to key positions often do so at the expense of capable professionals. This practice erodes the spirit of meritocracy and replaces competence with mediocrity. In such an environment, policy decisions are influenced not by sound judgment or expertise, but by personal interests and the need to protect those close to power. Public institutions that should serve citizens become tools for personal enrichment and patronage, while the quality of governance declines steadily.
One of the greatest dangers of nepotism is the destruction of public trust. Citizens quickly lose confidence in their leaders when they perceive that appointments and privileges are based on favouritism and family ties. This sense of injustice breeds resentment, weakens patriotism, and encourages apathy towards governance. Over time, it also fosters corruption, as those who are favoured through nepotism often see themselves as untouchable. They misuse public resources with impunity, secure in the knowledge that their family or personal ties to those in authority will shield them from accountability.
Beyond government, nepotism is equally damaging in the wider society. In the corporate world, it kills innovation and productivity by placing unqualified individuals in strategic positions. In academia, it discourages talented students and researchers when opportunities are given based on connection rather than merit. In communities, it destroys the moral fabric by teaching young people that success depends not on hard work or excellence, but on whom they know. In the long run, a society built on favouritism will inevitably lag behind those that promote fairness and equal opportunity.
Curbing nepotism requires deliberate effort and strong institutional safeguards. Governments must enforce transparent recruitment and appointment processes that emphasize merit over personal ties. Civil service systems should be insulated from political interference, while anti-corruption agencies such as EFCC and ICPC must be empowered to hold everyone accountable regardless of status or relationship. More importantly, citizens themselves must reject and speak out against the culture of favouritism!
For true development to take root, merit must triumph over mediocrity, and service must be driven by commitment to the public good rather than loyalty to family or friends.
Every community is blessed with competent individuals!
